He stated this today (13) at a press conference held at the Government Information Department Auditorium to bring awareness among the public on Diabetic Retinopathy parallel to the World Diabetes Day which falls on Nov.14.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects eyes. Chronically high blood sugar from diabetes is associated with damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. The retina detects light and converts it to signals sent through the optic nerve to the brain. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or hemorrhage (bleed), distorting vision. In its most advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels proliferate (increase in number) on the surface of the retina, which can lead to scarring and cell loss in the retina.
National Eye Hospital has launched several programs parallel to the World Diabetes Day such as health walks and diagnosis clinics. On Monday (16) a special eye clinic will be held at the National Eye Hospital from 8.00.a.m to 12.00.pm. Additionally, the weekly eye clinic is being held every Thursdays iat the Eye Hospital in room no 02 from 2.00.p.m, said Dr.Amarasinghe.
On November 14 a Health Walk to mark the World Diabetes Day will commence from the Independence Square at 7.00 a.m. under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and a diagnosis clinic for diabetes will also be held on the same day at the BMICH premises. On Sunday (15) another diagnosis clinic will be held at the entrance of the temple of the sacred tooth relic in Kandy from 9.00 a.m.
Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of blindness by 95 percent.Therefore people with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year while people with diabetic retinopathy may need eye exams more frequently said Eye specialist Dr.Pradeepa Siriwardhane
The Director of the National Eye Hospital Dr.Sanath De Silva, Deputy Director of the National Eye Hospital I.L.M.M.Pibas, the Co-ordinator of the VISION 2020 program Dr.Asela Abeyweera also addressed the press conference..
